August 8/07 11:07 am - Tour de Bowness

It was a weekend of domination by former Albertans at the 6th Tour de Bowness/Alberta Provincial Criterium Championships, held in Calgary Sunday and Monday.

The racing started Sunday evening with a 3-up 1.35 Kilometre Hill Climb, held on the paved switchbacks of Canada Olympic Park. Zach Bell (Symmetrics) prevailed in the menÃ¢â€¢Ë™s race, tying the course record of Phil Abbott (Italpasta/Transport Belmire), while mountain bike stand-out Mical Dyck (Terrascape) was the fastest woman.

MondayÃ¢â€¢Ë™s Criterium saw complete domination by Symmetrics and La-Z-Boy riders, who combined to take the top-5 podium placings. Zach Bell rode away from a breakaway group containing himself and fellow ex-Calgarians Jacob Erker (Symmetrics) and James Sparling (La-Z-Boy Cycling Team) to secure the win. These three riders took the top-3 placings, with Bell lapping the field late in the race. Eric Wohlberg (Symmetrics) led the group home for fourth place, followed by La-Z-Boy Dave Brooks. The WomenÃ¢â€¢Ë™s event, meanwhile, featured a tight race amongst the top riders ending in a sprint finish won by Stephanie Roorda (Synergy). The race was held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Event Organizer Bow Cycle, and featured in a Pilsner-fuelled April Wine concert inside the shop after the conclusion of racing.